brown out

brown outv. phr.— «The Redwood City Fire Department can stave off “browning out” one engine by cutting one fire firefighter per truck on all companies—a move that significantly limits the ability to respond to emergencies but will protect service in downtown. […] The change is “extremely risky” and cuts response capacity by 50 percent but is worth managing rather than face browning out Engine 9 to save approximately $400,000 in overtime costs, Skinner said. “Browning out” a station or engine is an alternative to completely closing it, or “blacking” it out.» —“Fire chief suggests ‘risky’ cut” by Michelle Durand San Mateo Daily Journal (California) June 16, 2009. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)

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